With a backwards glance at the boy who had come to her aid, Rosalind left the warmth of the kitchen and made her way through the dark corridors to the grand entrance hall. The sudden booming single chime from the grandfather clock, which stood next to one of many suits of ancient armour made Rosalind jump. A shaft of moonlight filtered through an oriel window guiding her up the sweeping oak staircase with its carved balusters, and banister rail worn to a silky patina by centuries of use. Her room, which she shared with five-year-old Patricia, was in the north-east tower, while Bertie and seven-year old Walter slept in the room a little further along the landing. Their old nursery, on the floor above, was now converted to a schoolroom, where Miss Brailsford tried hard to instil some knowledge into their heads. Of all the children only Walter showed any real interest in learning, while Bertie wanted to be out of doors, climbing trees, diving from the cliffs at high tide, or riding the pony their father had bought him for his eleventh birthday. Rosalind slipped off her damp clothes and left them in a pile on the floor for the maid to retrieve and take to the laundry room next morning. She put on her nightgown and climbed into bed, snuggling down beneath the down-filled coverlet.

She awakened early and she dressed hurriedly, glancing every now and then at her sister, but Patricia was still sleeping soundly with Raggy clutched in her arms. Her pretty face had not lost its baby chubbiness and her golden hair was tumbled around her head like a halo. Her eyelashes for golden crescents on her pink cheeks, but her angelic looks belied a strong will and a determination to make everyone in the household bow to her wishes. Rosalind loved Patsy dearly, but sometimes she felt she could strangle her little sister. Then, of course, she was contrite and felt guilty for her intolerance – after all, Patsy was only little – she would soon grow up and then she would be a good companion.

Rosalind let herself out of the sunny tower room and made her way down the spiral staircase to the wide landing where the rest of the bedchambers were situated. There was a priest’s hole situated at the side of the back stairs, and there were numerous secret passages with doors leading into the main rooms, which were used by the servants so that they did not disturb the family or guests. Rosalind wanted to check that the boy had left and she used the servants’ staircase to reach the kitchen. Mattie, the young scullery maid, was busy scrubbing the pine table. She stood to attention at the sight of Rosalind, averting her eyes hastily.